Enhancing electricity system flexibility, resilience, and efficiency
Enabling resilient communities Western Power’s Regional Connect Program is aimed at enhancing electricity reliability for regional communities at the end of long feeder lines, which are prone to frequent outages. It will help develop a blueprint for improving regional reliability that can be applied to other areas with similar location attributes and reliability experiences. Community engagement The program emphasises active community involvement through: • Drop-in sessions: providing platforms for residents to learn about proposed solutions and offer feedback. • Working groups: collaborating with local stakeholders to identify and implement effective strategies. This participatory approach ensures that solutions are tailored to the unique needs and conditions of each community. Performance and future outlook Early results indicate improvements in restoration times and a reduction in the average duration of outages. The success of these initiatives is guiding the development of scalable solutions for broader application. For more detail on the Regional Connect program, visit page 49. Building a sustainable energy future Western Power’s strategic investments and programs are integral in creating a flexible, resilient, and efficient electricity system. By modernising infrastructure, embracing innovative technologies, and fostering customer participation, we’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy future that meets the needs of the community. Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern electricity services for all Western Power remains committed to delivering innovative energy solutions that enhance reliability, sustainability, and affordability. Our focus on deploying SPS and community batteries is central to this commitment to help decarbonise communities at the fringes of the grid, particularly in regional and high solar penetration areas. Community batteries: enhancing grid stability and renewable integration To support areas with high rooftop solar penetration, Western Power is expanding its community battery program.
As WA’s energy landscape evolves, we remain committed to modernising the SWIS to support a sustainable, reliable, and efficient electricity network. Our initiatives focus on integrating renewable energy sources, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and empowering customers to actively participate in the energy transition. Advancing grid flexibility and resilience The increasing penetration of renewable energy necessitates a more adaptable and robust grid. To address this, Western Power is implementing several key programs and embracing new and existing technologies: • Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP): replacing the State Underground Power Program (SUPP), TUPP aims to deliver underground power where it is most needed, enhancing network reliability and resilience. It is available to local governments on a cost-sharing basis with Western Power and property owners. • Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS): SPS provide reliable, cost-effective, and localised power solutions for regional and remote customers. These systems use solar panels, battery storage, and backup generators, reducing reliance on extensive overhead infrastructure and enhancing service reliability. SPS units are off-grid systems combining solar panels, battery storage, and backup generators to provide reliable power. Benefits include: • Enhanced reliability: significant reduction in outages, with some pilot properties experiencing a 15-fold improvement. • Environmental impact: up to 90% of power needs met through renewable sources. • Cost efficiency: potential to replace over 23,000 km of overhead powerlines, reducing maintenance costs. • Community batteries: recognising the importance of energy storage in maximising renewable generation, Western Power is investing in community battery installations to help balance supply and demand, improve grid stability, and enable greater use of local renewable energy sources. • Microgrids: localised energy systems that can operate independently from the main grid, enhancing resilience. Microgrids installed in Kalbarri, Perenjori, Bremer Bay, and Ravensthorpe.
Western Power Annual Report 2025
33
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease